File Naming Conventions
A file naming convention is a framework for naming your files in a way that describes what they contain and how they relate to other files.
File naming conventions help you stay organized and quickly identify your files. In a shared or collaborative group file-sharing setting, it will help others more easily navigate your work.
It is essential to establish a convention before you begin collecting files or data in order to prevent a backlog of unorganized content that will lead to misplaced or lost data!
The following tips were adapted from Briney, K. A. (2020, June 2). File Naming Convention Worksheet. California Institute of Technology. This resource was recently awarded a 2023 DataWorks! Prize Significant Achievement Award.
The computer arranges files by name, character by character. Therefore, put the most important information first. If you anticipate wanting to find a file by date, then put the date first. The file name should be descriptive and provide just enough contextual information.
Example: Sample ID will use a code made up of: a 2-letter project abbreviation (project 1 = P1, project 2 = P2), a 3-letter species abbreviation (mouse = “MUS”, fruit fly = “DRS”), and 3-digit sample ID (assigned in lab notebook).
